By Atul Vyas
The swadhisthana chakra is the seat of will and resolution. It controls the power to move around or overcome obstacles. The human organism and all other living creatures has a natural inclination to move towards pleasure and away from pain. This is called the pleasure principle.
The pleasure enables us to move more deeply into the body and feeling fulfilled is the foundation of the power, love, creativity and meditative concentration, which are all aspects of swadhisthana chakra.
The pleasure and emotional sensation are essential features of the swadhisthana chakra. If the desire is the seed of movements, then pleasure is the root of desire, and sensation is the medium of pleasure.
Pleasure is essential for the health of the body, rejuvenation of the spirit and healing of the personal and cultural relationships.
The balanced swadhisthana chakra is responsible for pleasure and emotional sensations which are processed in the lower section of the brain called the limbic system. This system controls the hypothalamus, which in turn controls the hormonal levels and regulation of autonomic (involuntary) nervous functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, which leads to healthier and longer life.
There are many yogic interventions to balance this second chakra and one of them is ‘supta baddha konasana’ or the reclined bound angle pose.
Technique
- Lie on the back with knees bent and your feet placed closer to the buttocks
- Bring soles of feet together, and allow the knees to extend outward
- Now imagine opening your second chakra as you continue to breathe slowly and fully in and out, feeling the sacrum undulate with each breath
- Slowly allow the inner thigh to relax
Benefits
- Balances second chakra or swadhisthana chakra
- Lubricates hip joints
- Increases prana in pelvis region, which invigorates the second chakra
- Brings flexibility to the lower back
- Soothes period pains
Note of Caution
Those suffering from lower back pain should avoid this asana
Atul Vyas likes to be called a “Yoga Scientist”. He is a celebrity yoga trainer and has trained several top Hollywood and Bollywood stars. He has trained for years under many eminent yoga gurus including his illustrious mother Daya Vyas, the first lady yoga guru of India.
